McDonald, Primeau remember Waterford pediatrician Dr. William Grattan

waterford >> A man who helped save the Hugh White Homestead in Waterford and was a well-known local pediatrician, even into his late 80s, passed away over the weekend.

Dr. William Grattan died after a brief illness on Saturday. He was 88.

A father of three and grandfather of four, he was married to his surviving wife, Christine, for 44 years.

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He initially opened a pediatric practice in Waterford in 1957 and then became active in the surrounding community as the Albany County health commissioner. He later became the chief medical officer for Seton Health in Troy.

“As a child growing up, he was known as one of the best pediatricians in the Capital District,” said state Assemblyman John McDonald of Cohoes. “Then, he left the practice and served in county health. There was no greater champion for public health than Dr. Grattan. He helped all ages.”

McDonald remembered Grattan being part of a reform to stop cigarettes from being sold at pharmacies. Under Grattan’s guidance and support, Marra’s Pharmacy, McDonald’s family buisiness, became the first pharmacy in the county to stop selling cigarettes.

Grattan also championed the preservation of the 1830 Hugh White Homestead, which was formerly located on Saratoga Avenue and was in danger of being knocked down. He helped lead the charge in raising funds to move the building.

“He was one of the organizing founders of the museum,” said Emily Wilson, who worked with Grattan in forming the Waterford Historical Society and Cultural Center, now located in the Homestead along the old towpath on Museum Lane. This year, the museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

His family has donated collection items to the museum in recent years, museum director Brad Utter said.

“He was always interested in history and farming,” Wilson said. “He was a hard worker and practicing pediatrician until he passed.”

In 2004, Grattan went back to practicing his passion, starting a pediatric medical practice in Cohoes.

Cohoes Mayor George Primeau said his 4-year-old grandson saw Grattan just a couple of weeks ago.

“He was a very pleasant individual,” Primeau said. “He helped so many.”

“I remember looking across the table at him when he first wanted to come to Cohoes. I asked if he wanted to do this. He said ‘This is what I love to do,’” McDonald remembered. “He knew there was a need in Cohoes.”

His practice, with another doctor and nurse practitioner, continues today.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that contributions be considered for Doctors Without Borders, Heifer International, or Capital Region Food Pantries.